Krung Thep is what the Thai call their capital, a much-shortened nickname for what is the longest city name in the world (ask a Thai to recite the whole thing for you). In typical Thai fashion, Bangkok’s epic poetic title has been simplified for everyday use to its practical essence: City of Angels.

Most tourists experience Bangkok in similarly boiled-down little sweet or sour bits: disarming charm, dazzling smiles, exotic temples, bustling markets, choking traffic, 5-alarm peppers, pestering touts. But poke under the polished tourist veneer and Bangkok rewards the explorer with magic moments amidst its free-for-all collision of old and new, rich and poor, the sacred and the profane.

“Paradise” is a word that is often applied to describe the abundance of what Bangkok has to offer. It’s a genuine paradise for shoppers, from the bargains at Chatuchak, the world’s largest outdoor market, to the refined silks and jewels of this royal kingdom. It is also a paradise for foodies, from the singular specialties of its sidewalk hawkers, to the finest cuisine from around the world served up here at stupefying low prices. It is certainly a paradise of 5-star accommodation, service, and even world-class health care (get your nose, eyes or dental work done here and your holiday will pay for itself). While no longer the budget travel destination it was a decade ago, Bangkok still represents a bargain compared to many major cities around the region -- but it is rapidly catching up with Singapore, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

Many have also described Bangkok as a paradise for gay life. It certainly may seem that way to visitors for its sheer abundance, high visibility, and “anything goes” reputation. In fact, GLBT life here is just as complex and contradictory as anywhere else in the world. And while Bangkok’s queer scene seems amazingly diverse, it’s just the tiny tip of an iceberg: most of the Thai gay world is invisible and inaccessible to tourists.

The key to enjoying your time in Bangkok is to relax, take it easy, and keep your sense of humor. When you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by culture shock, go sit in a quiet temple courtyard. When you’re wound up by the entire sensory overload, pamper yourself with an afternoon in a spa or sauna. When your emotional dam threatens to burst, go light some incense at a phallic shrine. Take a deep breath. What’s that smell?

Don't go with touts who want to take you anywhere or taxi drivers that don't turn on their meters (in fact, locals now prefer Grab or other car-hire apps when they need options other than the extensive Sky Train and subway lines), and use your common sense. Look both ways when crossing the streets! No one will assault you here; just don't tempt anybody to enjoy their "good luck" by leaving your valuables unattended. Relax and remain receptive for one of those unforgettable magic moments that Bangkok inevitably supplies when you least expect it.

The population of Bangkok is over 11 million people. That's half a million Utopians.

Navigating the local gay scene is easy with our interactive Utopia Map of Gay & Lesbian Bangkok:

Click here for Bangkok hotels and accommodations.

Click here for Bangkok bars and clubs.

Click here for Bangkok cabaret.

Click here for Bangkok discos.

• Exclusive Gym (E&G) UTOPIA VERIFIED JAN 2019
  105/5 Naret Rd, Sirpaya, Bangrak
  02-266-5349, email

  Gay-only gym. Members and visitors workout with underwear during weekdays. Boxing, yoga and fitness.
  Add your review, comment, or correction

Click here for Bangkok karaoke.

Click here for Bangkok massage and spas.

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT -- Silom, Suriwong, Sathorn, Lumphini

Eat Me Restaurant (modern international and regional) UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2025 20m off Convent Rd (in Soi Pipat 2), Utopia Map, business card Reservations: 02-238-0931, email Romantic and gorgeous modern setting for inventive, superb fine dining. Exceptional, friendly service from owner Darren's staff. Fantastic original cocktails like the Tom Yum Goong and the Fa-Rang! Menu changes monthly, with daily specials and choice deserts. Handsome waiters and patrons (lots of stars and trendsetters). Rich music selection and occasional live jazz performances. A hop, skip and a jump for Silom's gay scene, Add your review, comment, or correction

• Feelsogood Cafe UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2025
  Tang Hua Pug Bld, 69/5 Sathorn Soi 10, Utopia Map
  02-531-0070, 086-531-0070, email

  Gay-owned cafe in the heart of Silom, located between Sathorn Soi 10 and Silom Soi 9. Walking distance to the W Hotel, Sathorn Square, Ascott Hotel and Chong Nonsi BTS. Quiet and friendly. Cold and hot drinks, cakes and daily sandwiches. They also deliver within the Silom area. Online ordering available.
  Utopia Member Benefit: 15% DISCOUNT.
  Add your review, comment, or correction

• G's Bangkok (German cuisine) UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2025
  Silom Soi 4, Utopia Map
  +66 2-632-9513, email

  Friendly, gay-owned German restaurant in the heart of the Patpong nightlife area. German dishes include homemade lentil soup, German sausages, original schintzel and much more. A variety of cordially sorted German beers and international wines to compliment your dining experience.
  Utopia Member Benefit: 10% DISCOUNT and FREE COFFEE after dinner.
  Add your review, comment, or correction

  
  

  CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT -- Sukhumvit, Thonglor, Ekkamai

• Bonjour French Restaurant (fine dining) UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2024
  1217/2 Sukhumvit Rd (between Soi 59 and Soi 61), Utopia Map
  02-714-2112, email

  Open daily for dinner. The owner has patiently restored his beautiful house and created a French garden complete with fountain. Cozy and chic. Private room available. Parking. Gay and lesbian-friendly.
  Utopia Member Benefit: FREE COCKTAIL.
  Add your review, comment, or correction

• Shopping Centers

  Bangkok in the mid-2020s has seen an explosion of high-end luxury shopping malls connected to its central business district BTS Sky Train routes. Their variety of aircon restaurants and food courts have largely replaced the street food scene, which is slowly disappearing in the CBD. In particular we recommend the following for good eats:

  • Eathai regional Thai food court UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2025
    B/F Central Embassy mall, Utopia Map

    In between the Chit Lom and Ploen Chit BTS Stations, accessable directly from the elevated sky walk between stations. This modern basement food court is themed around regional Thai cuisine. A good chance to try dishes from all over the country in one location. Exchange baht for a plastic card used to purchase food and exchange back to cash when you leave.
    Add your review, comment, or correction

  • Em Sphere international and gourmet market UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2025
    Utopia Map

    Near the Phrom Pong BTS. Beautiful mall with Ikea as an anchor. Lots of restaurants and food stalls, plus a well-stocked international gourmet market.
    Add your review, comment, or correction

  • Emporium Thai food court UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2025
    Emporium mall, at Phrom Phong BTS, Sukhumvit Rd, Utopia Map

    Directly accessable from the elevated Phrom Phong Sky Train station exit. Their upper floor food court offers a great selection of high quality Thai classic foods from stalls flaunting their Michelin Recommended mentions. Exchange baht for a plastic card used to purchase food and exchange back to cash when you leave.
    Add your review, comment, or correction

  • Coffee Bean by Dao modern Thai and baked goods UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2025
    3/F Central Embassy mall, Utopia Map

    In between the Chit Lom and Ploen Chit BTS Stations, accessable directly from the elevated sky walk between stations. Excellent quality modern Thai food and a fantastic bakery besides, both at reasonable prices. Popular with Thai and longtime expats alike.
    Add your review, comment, or correction

  • Terminal 21 inexpensive Thai food court and international restaurants UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2025
    4/F and 5/F Terminal 21, at the Asoke/Sukhumvit intersection, Utopia Map

    Accessable from both the Asok BTS (Sky Train) and MRT (subway) stations. Their 5/F food court is themed around inexpensive, smaller portion Thai classic dishes, so it's hopping at lunch time on week days. There are also many reasonably priced international restaurants on the 4th and 5th floors, including MK Restaurant (try their green noodles with sliced duck, or egg noodles with sliced pork) and Thai Thai ("boat noodles" and khao soi from Chiang Mai), both located on 4/F.
    Add your review, comment, or correction

  
  

  OTHER AREAS

• Kaloang Home Kitchen (seafood and Thai cuisine) UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2025
  Take Sri Ayuttaya Rd all the way to the river, Utopia Map

  Foodie alert! Inexpensive and homey riverside restaurant, with attentive service by the fabulous Bo and staff. Popular with gays and longtime expats. Don't miss some of the best examples of Thai specialties served here including yam huablee (banana flower salad), kai pahd medmamuang (fried chicken with dried peppers and cashew nuts), yam tuaploo (crunchy wing bean salad), yam pladookfoo (crispy catfish with sour green mango), crispy pork in tangy greens, an exceptional pineapple fried rice with curry and sweet Chinese lapchong sausage, plush fresh river prawns and fish prepared in a variety of tasty ways. Metro Magazine High Fives Award for their seafood.
  Add your review, comment, or correction

Click here for Bangkok saunas.

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT -- Silom, Suriwong, Sathorn, Lumphini
• C&B Gentlemen's Barber UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2025
  37/3 Plaza Bld, Room 215, Patpong Soi 2, Surawong Rd, Bangrak, Utopia Map
  +662 004-7337, email

  Bangkok's premier gay salon, conveniently beside Hot Male Bar, and opposite Dream Boys Bar, just minutes walk from the Saladaeng Sky Train Station. Charming, well-trained staff specialize in treatments ranging from cut and color to foot and facial masseurs who are ready to help you recuperate from jet lag, or get you looking your best for your night on the town. They even have henna tattooing!
  Utopia Member Benefit: 10% discount on regularly priced services.
  Add your review, comment, or correction

• Diabshop UTOPIA VERIFIED JAN 2024
  69/3 Saladaeng Rd, 02-636-0232

  Thailand's first and specialized shop for Diabetics. All kinds of helpful products for Diabetics and much more. Gay-owned.
  Utopia Member Benefit: 10% DISCOUNT.
  Add your review, comment, or correction